Ephesians | Reading Plan + Study Questionsنموونە

EPHESIANS 4

EMBRACING THE NEW CREATION IN CHRIST

Paul transitions his letter from focusing on what God has done to sharing with believers how to respond. Because of God’s goodness, Paul calls the followers of Jesus to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. Although Paul knows that all believers will continue to sin and fall short, he also desires for them to be transformed by the good news of Jesus.

Paul lists gentleness, patience, love, and peace as admirable qualities of believers, similar to the fruit of the Holy Spirit he described in his letter to Galatia (Galatians 5). Paul reiterates God’s desire for unity among His people. Those who believe in Jesus and have the Holy Spirit are called to live as one body, with one faith, in one God, through one baptism.

Noting that unity is not the same as uniformity, Paul shows how believers are diverse in their God-given giftings. All members of the church are encouraged to speak in truth and love, following Jesus alone and not being swayed by false teachers. When the church body is working together in unity, they are able to be built up in love.

Paul instructs believers to take off their old humanity and put on their new selves. Through Christ, believers are made new and given a new identity. The Holy Spirit within believers helps restore them to the image of God in which they were created. Instead of lying and anger, the followers of Jesus are called to truth and peace. Instead of speaking of gossip and corruption, they are to encourage and build up others. Instead of bitter and wrathful, believers are free to be tenderhearted, forgiving, and kind.

STUDY QUESTIONS

According to Ephesians 4:14, what are some sources of confusion or distraction for believers?

In Ephesians 4:18, Paul used the phrase “hardness of heart.” Can you think of anywhere else in the Bible where this phrase is used? What do you think it means?